MPUSH Makambi, South Africa’s boxer of the year 1999, finds himself in the precarious position of having a world title with no one to defend it against. He was set to defend his IBO middleweight world title against his number-one contender Howard Eastman last month. Eastman withdrew from the fight however, saying that he has no desire to fight Makambi. An added blow to the situation is that Makambi’s three-fight contract with British promoter Barry Hearn, expired last year after Makambi successfully made the third defence of his crown. Hearn had put three highly rated British challengers against Makambi, perhaps with the hopes of dethroning him and keeping the title in the UK. Leonard Neil, Makambi’s manager has thrown out an open invitation to promoters world-wide to make use of his fighter. Makambi is truly a credible world champion, who improves every time he enters the ring. It’s surprising that local promoters haven’t snatched him up. A bout between Makambi and current super middleweight national champion Dingaan Thobela, will definitely draw the crowds.